The forces of the Empire made an appearance for the second year at the Louisiana Folklife Festival this Saturday. The local chapter of the 501st Legion, a world-wide group of Star Wars enthusiasts who wear authentic costumes from the popular movie series, came to the festival to encourage both Rebel and Empire denizens alike to donate at the LifeShare blood drive being held at a mobile donation bus in the parking lot. Jedi Sarah Dyess was outnumbered but not outmatched, as she rescued Dr. Rasmussen from the Empire’s forces on the main stage.

The local 501st Legion has a superb record of community service. They visit children’s hospital and have hosted fundraisers from CASA and local children facing long hospital stays out of state. They have also rapidly established themselves as a crowd favorite in the Natchitoches Christmas Festival Parade.